Daud Olatunji
The Africa Leadership Foundation (ALF), the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FEWACCI), and Afreximbank have kicked off a four-day hybrid training for entrepreneurst o boost the export capabilities of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in West Africa’s agribusiness sector.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the event, held on Monday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State, was designed to equip SMEs with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the international export market.
The training, now in its second edition, serves as a vital platform for participants to explore the untapped potential of agribusiness exports while learning practical ways to access funding.
Dr. Olumide Ajayi, the Executive Director of ALF, emphasized that the event marks a critical step in fostering sustainable economic growth in the region.
“This gathering is a catalyst for unlocking the immense potential within Africa’s agribusiness sector. At ALF, we are immensely proud of our partnership with Afreximbank.
“Together, we are forging a path that nurtures the entrepreneurial spirit and strengthens the economic fabric of our continent,” Dr. Ajayi stated during his opening remarks.
Ajayi highlighted that the training aims to enhance the capacity of SMEs across West Africa, enabling them to seize opportunities in the rapidly expanding intra-African market.
He pointed out that the selection process for this year’s training was more inclusive, ensuring that a diverse range of entrepreneurs from across the region had the opportunity to participate.
He added that the training attracted 100 SMEs from 13 West African nations, reflecting a strong commitment to regional collaboration and inclusive growth. Countries represented include Nigeria, Benin Republic, Ghana, Togo, Senegal, and more.
He stated that Nigeria had the largest delegation, with 31 participants, while other countries such as Benin and Sierra Leone also had notable representations.
Ajayi also noted the event’s success in achieving both gender and language parity among participants, with 52% of attendees being female and a near-equal split between Anglophone and Francophone countries.
“The overwhelming response to this training, with 233 applications from not only West Africa but also from Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Rwanda, demonstrates the eagerness of SMEs to engage in export readiness initiatives,” Ajayi added.
“ Due to the limited number of slots, many qualified SMEs were placed on a waiting list, further indicating the high demand for such programmes.
To address the growing demand, ALF and FEWACCI announced plans to extend the export readiness training over the next five years, ensuring broader regional inclusion.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during the event to formalize this partnership.
Additionally, Ajayi revealed that ALF will support participants in accessing Afreximbank’s MANSA Digital Initiative (MDI), a platform designed to streamline Know Your Customer (KYC) and due diligence processes.
This initiative offers SMEs the opportunity to connect with a wider network of financial institutions, providing essential resources for market access and expansion.
Mrs. Oluranti Doherty, Managing Director of the Export Development Division at Afreximbank, echoed Ajayi’s sentiments on the importance of SMEs in driving Africa’s economic development.
She assured participants of the bank’s continued commitment to resolving key challenges faced by SME operators, including access to finance and market integration.
“Afreximbank is dedicated to linking SME operators with financial institutions that can provide the necessary support to expand their businesses.
“ Through strategic financing and initiatives like the MANSA platform, we are empowering African businesses to compete globally,” Doherty remarked.
She underscored the crucial role SMEs play in job creation, innovation, and wealth generation across Africa, affirming the bank’s focus on ensuring Nigerian trainees fully utilize the MANSA platform before the conclusion of the training.
Also speaking at the event, Bineta Diop, Coordinator of Empowering Women in Agriculture, highlighted the gender gap in agricultural productivity.
She pointed out that despite women constituting 43% of the agricultural labor force in developing countries, they still face limited access to resources, which results in lower productivity levels.
“According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), if women had equal access to resources, global farm yields could increase by 20-30%, potentially reducing hunger by 12-17%,” Diop said.
She called on ALF and Afreximbank to intensify their advocacy for the inclusion of more women in cross-border trade programs, noting that women account for over 70% of informal cross-border trade in Africa.
Diop praised ALF’s efforts in advancing gender equality through initiatives like the current training programme, emphasizing the need for more programs to ensure women not only participate but thrive in the export sector.
The hybrid training program in Abeokuta is a pivotal initiative in driving Africa’s economic transformation through agribusiness exports.
With strong backing from institutions like Afreximbank and FEWACCI, SMEs across the continent are being equipped to overcome barriers to trade, access new markets, and contribute to sustainable economic development.
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